Monday, 31 December 2007

Where Oh Where Could My Reform Be

Well, that didn't take long. That seems to be a common phrase associated with the Beshear administration recently. They based much of their campaign on ethics. Beshear spent a big chunk of his inauguration speech on ethics. But yet, here we are going into the legislative session and ethics reform is no where to be seen.

Now that he has won the election, Beshear might not even mention the issue when the 2008 General Assembly convenes Jan. 8.

Although Beshear promised in his inaugural speech to strengthen state ethics laws, he isn't sure whether he'll propose the one change that would have stopped former Gov. Ernie Fletcher from pardoning his entire administration during an investigation of state hiring practices.

"The governor supports a constitutional amendment limiting the governor's pardoning power, but whether it is taken up during this session or next has yet to be determined," said Vicki Glass, spokeswoman for Beshear.

Asked on Friday to explain the possible delay, Glass said only that the Democratic governor's legislative agenda "is still developing."

Beshear's uncertainty contrasts sharply with his statements in nearly every campaign forum and debate, during which he castigated Fletcher, a Republican, for pardoning "political cronies" in the midst of a special grand jury's investigation.

He promised to push lawmakers to let voters decide whether a governor should have the power to essentially shut down criminal investigations by pardoning people before they're convicted of crimes.

"It is time to limit the pardoning power of future governors, so that this type of abuse never happens again," Beshear said during a Sept. 5 news conference outlining his ethics agenda.

One reason for Beshear's newfound reluctance might be that the leading lawmakers from his own party aren't much interested in the idea of a constitutional amendment dealing with pardons.

The Democrats never wanted ethics reform. They could care less about the issue. They wanted to regain power and they said anything to get it. Their entire campaign was a sham. And it hasn't taken long for the crap they shoveled to start smelling.

Posted by brians at 2:38 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Sunday, 30 December 2007

It's Back.. Again

Why does the issue of felon voting rights keep coming back up every session? Don't we have more important issues to discuss?

This time they have a new sob story to talk about the woe of being a felon in Kentucky.

Mitchell Ford was a petty criminal who had been in trouble since he started drinking when he was 12 years old.

By age 18, he had moved on to drugs and was arrested for burglary, receiving stolen property and escape. He served every day of his six-year sentence.

Today, though, at age 32, he has turned his life around. He has been clean and sober since 2002, and has a good job helping others with addiction problems at the Volunteers of America.

Despite that, it took him nearly two years to be able to do what many others take for granted -- to vote. That's because the Kentucky Constitution prohibits felons from voting unless the governor restores their civil rights.

If you commit a felony you must serve time in prison and you must reapply to get your voting rights. Oh the horror! You know, if you don't commit the crime in the first place you wouldn't lose your voting rights. I am having trouble finding any sympathy for their cause.

Why does this story pop up every single session? These sob stories are obviously an effort to garner enough support to pass the bill. Why does the MSM care that much about this bill? Does the MSM care more about criminal rights than the real issues facing our state? Maybe they are hoping to reverse the shrinking pool of Democratic voters in this state? Or maybe this is just the liberal cause de jour of the day? Either way, the story is played out.... at least until the next session.

Posted by brians at 1:38 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Saturday, 29 December 2007

Just a Snafu

I love how when Republicans make a hiring mistake it is a violation of the merit laws. But when the Democrats make similar mistakes it is just a snafu. All they need to do is "fill out the appropriate paper work" and it magically disappears.

Dan Egbers, the Personnel Cabinet's new general counsel, agreed in a letter issued Wednesday that the pay raises weren't properly documented, but said they can be resubmitted to the cabinet as a bonus known to state employees as an ACE, or Award for Continuing Excellence.

So let's see if we can get this straight. Miller hires Parker out of college in 2000 making 21,000 a year. And just seven years later she is making almost $79,000. That is an increase of nearly 280 percent. During those same seven years state government was under a hiring freeze and most employees saw few raises. But we are supposed to believe that nothing was inappropriate.

"Those people who are aware of the close friendship that Brooke and my wife Lisa have find this laughable, but it's not funny," Miller said.

So Miller even admits to a close friendship, but we don't even get an investigation into whether there was inappropriate favoritism.

The Republican Party of Kentucky yesterday called on the attorney general's office to investigate the raises offered Parker, but Attorney General Greg Stumbo said his office doesn't "have any reason to believe that criminal activity took place."

It hasn't taken long for the Democratic double standard to take hold in Frankfort.

Posted by brians at 7:15 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Friday, 21 December 2007

Budget FUD

Beshear and Co are already spreading fear, uncertainty and doubt over the current budget shortfall.   
At a news conference and in a statement released afterward, Beshear used terms like "dire" and "beyond serious" to describe the condition of state finances when he took office on Dec. 11. He said he will announce "in very early January" how he plans to deal with funding problems that he said he will outline next week. But he implied that he might reverse more of the funding decisions Fletcher's administration made in its final days.

"This is becoming increasingly not a pretty picture," Beshear told reporters.

"While I didn't create the situation I'm walking into, it's my job to do something about it."

The governor cited this week's forecast of a $121 million revenue shortfall this year and requests by state agencies last month for $166 million in additional funding to maintain services. He said he continues to learn of specific money problems within state agencies.
Of course the whole thing is just a ploy. In this case the ruse serves three purposes. First it allows him to demonize the evil Republicans. Secondly it lowers expectations. Thirdly it provides a platform to begin pushing for alternative revenue streams (ie Casinos)

Of course I don't understand why the shortfall is a problem. Beshear told us during the election that he was going to have an efficiency study done and it was going to save us hundreds of millions of dollars. That should more than pay for any shortfalls in the budget next year.

Posted by brians at 6:33 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Crony Express VII

On Thursday Gov Beshear made the last of the major appointments to his adminstration.

Gov. Steve Beshear named Janie Miller, a long-time government worker, as secretary of the Health and Family Services Cabinet on Thursday. Former Rep. Steve Nunn will be her deputy secretary.
Once again we get another long time crony from previous administrations. But this time we get the added bonus of an incompetent crony. Not only has she been twice fired but apparently has a difficult time telling the truth.

Miller, 52, has held a wide range of state jobs over the past 31 years, including 17 years in the former Cabinet for Human Resources -- where she was twice fired by officials in Gov. Brereton Jones' administration.

In September 1992, Jones dismissed Miller as deputy Medicaid commissioner, but she was quickly rehired as an assistant to the Secretary of Human Resources and was named acting Medicaid commissioner in January of 1993.

By September of 1993, Miller was again fired by Human Resources Secretary Fontaine Banks just as investigative reports found that the $2 billion program had lax spending controls, had made weak efforts to recover overpayments and allowed questionable use of Medicaid-paid transportation by patients.

When questioned Thursday, Miller said she willingly resigned from both positions and was not fired.

However, on Sept. 3, 1993, Miller told the Herald-Leader that she had not submitted a resignation as acting Medicaid commissioner, even though a news release said her resignation had been requested and received.

"I think you can read between the lines that I've been fired," she said at the time.
Lastly we are treated with the first (and apparently last) Republican appointment in Beshears administration. Not surprisingly RINO turncoat Steve Nunn was appointed deputy secretary for Health and Family Services. I guess Steve is collecting his 30 pieces of silver.

Best quote from the article.
Nunn, a Republican, endorsed Beshear during his campaign for governor. Beshear said the appointment was based on Nunn's experience, not the endorsement.
Yeah. Right. Maybe I understand know why Beshear hired Miller. They apparently have at least one trait in common.
Posted by brians at 5:22 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Thursday, 20 December 2007

Miracle in the 95th

Yesterday I marveled at Stumbo's fortune. Two months ago Stumbo was contemplating a run against Sen McConnell. Then he started to waver a few weeks ago and thought about running for his old house seat in the 95th district. What should he do? When low and behold, the current occupant of the 95th, in the middle of his first term, suddenly resigns.

I wish I lived under that lucky star. Of course luck had nothing to do with it. The whole thing was staged. Stumbo looked at his numbers against McConnell and knew he couldn't win. Rather than getting drubbed next November he started searching for some other political office he could hold. Why not his old house seat. The only problem was another Democrat held the seat.

So what do Democrats in this state do? They play the patronage game. I was wondering what Spencer would get for acquiescing. Today I found out what it was.

Vicki Glass, a spokeswoman for Gov. Steve Beshear, said yesterday that several people have recommended that Spencer be offered a job in the administration.

Yep, I wouldn't be surprised if former representative Spencer found a nice cushy job in the Beshear administration as pay back for his generosity.

Some people think Stumbo is this brilliant political operative, but I don't. His attacks on Fletcher and now the miracle in the 95th where horribly transparent and clumsily executed. Without willing accomplices in the media, both of these feeble maneuvers would have been ridiculed and squashed.

But my favorite part of the news story is this gem of a quote from Stumbo.

"Being in the U.S. Senate would obviously be an honor anyone would welcome," he said. "But if the choice would be going to Washington or staying in Kentucky … I'd rather be in Kentucky."

Yeah. Right. That one scored an 11 on my BS scale.

Posted by brians at 3:53 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Double Standards Part Duex

I want to give a hat tip out to the State GOP for sending me the following quote from AG Jack Conway's appearance during the October 8th KET debate.
Ronnie Ellis: Do you agree with Gen. Stumbo that it?s a higher standard? Do you ensure the people of Kentucky here tonight that you will watch for any improprieties in the merit system regardless of party or governor?
 
Jack Conway: Yes, you have to follow the law. Greg had to investigate that. Greg was brought a credible complaint by the whistleblower. He had a duty to investigate that. And yes, we are all on notice. The whole state is on notice?

As Attorney General, I am going to follow the law. I am not going to just investigate felonies. I am going to follow and investigate misdemeanors if appropriate. Greg had to investigate that. Yes, there is a higher standard.
Well that comes from the horses mouth! I expect Jack Conway to keep his word from the campaign and open an investigation into the Miller merit violations. I imagine he is forming the team and will make the announcement in the coming days.

Yeah... right. Politics as usual for the Democrats has returned to Frankfort and I imagine the main stream media will turn a deaf ear to the whole thing.
Posted by brians at 3:56 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Maybe Mitch isn't All That Vulnerable

Stumbo has decided to forgo a challenge to Sen McConnell and run for his old seat in the state legislature.
Attorney General Greg Stumbo has chosen a possible return to the Kentucky House over a run for the U.S. Senate.

Stumbo said on Wednesday that he hopes to fill a sudden vacancy for his old House seat in the 95th District, which covers most of Floyd County in eastern Kentucky. The seat became open when first-term Representative James Brandon Spencer resigned effective immediately in a letter to Gov. Steve Beshear.
Amazing. The day before he decides to return to the state legislature the current occupant of the seat has resigned. Coincidence?  I wonder what strong arm tactic Stumbo used to get Spencer to vacate the seat?

Why would you vacate a seat right before the session? This is the second Democrat, Mongiardo was the first, who has screwed his constituency by not resigning in time to allowing a run-off to occur before the session.

Oh yeah, and I guess Sen McConnell really isn't that vulnerable after all. I guess the stories about Republicans experiencing a free fall in Kentucky were a wee bit exaggerated after all.
Posted by brians at 3:42 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Double Standards

This is amazing. Here we are not even a month into the Beshear administration and already there is a problem with merit law violations. At the heart of the controversy is Finance and Administration Cabinet Secretary Johnathon Miller. During his tenure as Treasurer,  Miller apparently broke a number of merit laws.
  1. He hired Michael Bates using improper "pre-selection"
  2. He authorized illegal salary increases for Rebbecca Parker. In 2004 she was given two salary increase that totaled up to a 566.92 a month increase. There appears to be no written justification for the salary increase. In addition she has gone from a salary of 21,000 out of college to almost 79,000 a year in seven short years. She also traveled with him last May on a trip to Las Vegas. But supposedly she has received no "special treatment".
Both of these cases are clearly illegal under the current merit laws. So what does Beshear do? He refers the case to the Personnel board. Wait a cotton picken second. Laws were violated! Shouldn't Beshear call on the newly elected AG Jack Conway to investigate? Just because these are misdemeanor crimes does not mean they should not be punished. Isn't that what we learned when Fletcher had similar problems. Fletcher said they should be handled by the personnel board, but the Democrats and the media told us differently.

Where is the media now? Shouldn't they be up and arms about this like they were during the Fletcher administration? We had endless stories about the "corrupt" Fletcher administration, but I haven't seen any main stream media coverage of this  incident. Is this just another example of journalistic double standards?

Steve Beshear has called for "tougher merit laws". Yet when a clear violation of the current laws occurs he does nothing to enforce them. Shouldn't Beshear enforce the laws already on the book before changing them?

The Democrats started this when they went after Fletcher for similar types of indiscretions. While this issue, like Fletcher's, should be handled by the personnel board the precedent has been set. And I want the same standard applied to both Republicans and Democrats. We need an investigation and a grand jury to indict.
Posted by brians at 3:31 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Thursday, 13 December 2007

Crony Express VI

The train keeps on rolling! Gov Beshear today selected Adam Edelen as the executive director of Kentucky Office of Homeland Security.

Edelen, whose firm manages area Applebees restaurants, returns to government where he worked as an aide to former Democratic Gov. Paul Patton. He also has served as vice president of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. (emphasis added)

Once again we are treated to another Democrat crony. I am wondering if the press is EVER going to question him about his appointments. He has selected 1 Republican. And that was for adjutant general. Does anyone even know what that position is or does?  This is ridiculous! The vast majority of his appointments have been cronies  from previous administrations.  

Beshear spent the majority of his time during his inaugural address talking about unity. Yet while he says one thing he does another. He is filling his administration with nothing but Democratic partisans from previous administrations. This is a far cry from Fletcher's appointments. There is a massive disconnect here and I am surprised the main stream media hasn't noticed it as well. Oh wait, Beshear is a Democrat. That is why the press have turned a blind eye.

Posted by brians at 6:00 PM in Kentucky Politics
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McConnell's Re-election Bid

A few months before the election, I said that McConnell wouldn't have much trouble getting re-elected for three reasons.
  1. He would have a huge war chest over 10 millon dollars.
  2. The war in Iraq would no longer be a major issue. Things would be either much better or we would be withdrawing troops.
  3. Hillary would be the nominee and would be an albatross around the Democratic candidate's neck
Then the November election came and Fletcher got trounced by Beshear. The Democrats puffed up their chests. They talked about the election being a turning point. A new era of Democratic rule in this state. They even talked about defeating McConnell in 2008! Stumbo and Crit Luallen where both looking at running. McConnell's poll numbers had slipped. His  approval rating was below 50%. I had to laugh.

Now we are half way through December and where is the shining knight that was going to ride down McConnell? Luallen has backed out and it is beginning to look like Stumbo is as well. All they are left with is Andrew Horne. I am sure he is a nice guy, but he got trounced in the third district primary. He ran a horrible campaign. Now all of a sudden he is going to run a terrific campaign and be a threat to McConnell?  This is the best the Democrats can do? What happened to all of the bravado after the election?

I'll tell you what happened. Reality set in for these folks. McConnell dipped into his war chest and began running positive ads about his accomplishments. Guess what? His numbers have bounced back upwards and he no longer looks as vulnerable as he did in November when the left was running a lot of negative ads against him. If he was able to get a bounce that easily with just a little bit of money. What do you think will happen when he begins to really spend money on the race.

Secondly, the war in Iraq is becoming less of an issue. Our recent successes have caused it to fall off the radar for most people.

Lastly, the Democrats have to realize that the presidential nominee of their party will not win Kentucky. It doesn't matter if it is Hillary or Obama. Both are much more liberal than the average Kentuckian. McConnell has already talked about tying the nominee to his opponent.

I think both Crit and Stumbo both looked at it and decided it wasn't worth the risk to run a race they most likely lose. It is much easier to be patient and wait for Bunning's seat in 2010. While no race is assured, I like McConnell's chances better every passing day.
Posted by brians at 5:37 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Wednesday, 12 December 2007

Beshear's Inaugural Address

I have read through the text of Beshear's address and I am completely flabbergasted. I started laughing while I was reading it. It had to be a joke. Let's start with his major theme, unity.
I ask everyone in this great commonwealth of ours — Democrat, Republican and independent, white, black and brown, from Pikeville to Paducah, from our bustling cities to our small towns, to our farms both large and small — to join hands with me in meeting this challenge.
Give me a break. He cares so much for unity and bi-partisanship that he has appointed ZERO Republicans as Secretaries or even high ranking administration officials. Nothing screams bi-partisanship than excluding the other party completely from your administration. Where is the media to ask him about it? Heck 50% of Fletcher's administration was comprised of Democrats. Why hasn't the media written stories about how partisan Beshear's appointments so far have been? 

This is a complete ruse anyway. Beshear only believes in unity as long as everyone agrees with him. This is nothing more than a ploy to bash Republicans for eschewing bi-partisanship whenever they question him or refuse to do his bidding.

The jokes don't end there. He also talked about how ethical his administration will be.

I expect to earn your trust, not to simply be given it. I expect my administration to be accountable — and it starts at the top, with me.

That’s why one of my first official acts as governor will be to require all my top appointees to take extensive training in laws relating to ethics and the merit system, and to pledge to follow them.
Yeah, that is why one of his early nominations had a conflict of interest problem. Rather than doing the right thing and pulling the appointment, Beshear's team has decided to take their case to the ethics board. Of course nothing screams good government more than appointing a college buddy as secretary of a cabinet. Especially when has ZERO expertise in the field.

The whole speech was an utter sham. I still can't believe he had the gall to get up there and talk about unity while filling his administration almost wholly with Democratic cronies. All the while, the media just laps it up and gushes about how wonderful Beshear's administration is going to be.
Posted by brians at 4:47 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Last Days of FDS (Hopefully)

Nothing shows how much the main stream media was overwhelmed with Fletcher Derangement Syndrome than to look at the headlines on today's front page of the Courier Journal's web site.
Beshear dances into office
Fletcher pardons spark acrimony
Not only do they take one final parting shot at Fletcher they give us a preview of how soft the media coverage of Beshear will be the next four years.

Posted by brians at 4:19 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Monday, 10 December 2007

Thank You Fletcher

I want to thank Fletcher for his service to the Commonwealth. I know he tried to restructure government. To make it more efficient. To make it more effective. To restructure our horrendous tax code. To bring integrity to the capital. To clean up the mess if Frankfort. In all but one he did an outstanding job.

Unfortunately as Fletcher found out it is nearly impossible to clean up the swamp that is Frankfort. It was inevitable that they would lay in wait for any attempt to destroy him if he stumbled. Like a pack of wolves they stalked. They waited for the opportunity and swarmed. Besmirching Fletcher's name and distracting from his accomplishments.

Sadly their efforts were successfull. Fletcher was unable to drain the swamp. The rats are already scurrying back into the capital. Beshear is beginning to undo much of the good that was accomplished in his administration. Expansion of government and the rule by cronyism has been returned to Frankfort.

Maybe Fletcher didn't get a second term. But he did shine a light on the dark whole of Frankfort. And while the Dems may be celebrating the return to power and the glory days of old. I believe they will find their backroom power lessened.  Republicans have brought a light to Frankfort. While it will certainly be dimmer with Fletcher gone, it will not be extinguished. That soft light will deny the Democrats the darkness they need to deal in corruption. It is a lesson they will learn the hard way over the coming years.

Finally, I believe Fletcher's legacy will not be his hiring scandal, but his role in taking the first steps of bringing responsible government back to Frankfort. The tide is turning in this state. While the current wave is heading back out to sea. The next wave will be back in four years. And with the rising tide, it will be stronger than the previous wave.

Thank you Gov Fletcher. I wish you well in all of your future endeavors.
Posted by brians at 11:59 PM in Kentucky Politics
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Saturday, 8 December 2007

The Crony Express V

Beshear on Thursday announced four new cabinet heads. Let's take a look at his choices:
Beshear named Robert D. Vance, a law school classmate and former business partner, as secretary of the Environmental & Public Protection Cabinet.

To head the Commerce Cabinet, Beshear chose Marcheta L. Sparrow, 60, the president and chief executive officer of the Kentucky Tourism Council.

The governor-elect said he chose Sparrow, whose husband, Herb, worked for Beshear when he was lieutenant governor from 1983-1987, because of her strength when it comes to tourism, a key component. Herb Sparrow contributed $1,000 to Beshear's general election campaign.
Nothing says cronyism more than giving your friends and business partners high paying state jobs. Especially when they don't have any expertise in the area.
Tom FitzGerald, executive director of the Kentucky Resources Council, said he knows little about Vance. But he added that he's not concerned by the appointment of someone who doesn't have a background in the environment but he doesn't expect Vance to oversee the environment for long. FitzGerald said he hopes Vance's first big job will be to divide the cabinet into two parts so that one cabinet focuses solely on the environment.
So not only is someone who knows nothing about the cabinet going to run it, but they are planning to split it up and make even more administrative levels. Man Beshear really is taking care of his own. He has that campaign promise down pat.

Next we have the newly formed labor cabinet
he chose Rep. J.R. Gray, D-Benton. Gray, 69, is the longtime chairman of the House Labor and Industry Committee.
Hmmm, another good ole boy being put in a place of power.

But we do finally have one appointment that is new to Frankfort!
As his Personnel Cabinet secretary, Beshear chose Nikki Jackson, 37, who most recently was director of human resources for Norton Suburban Hospital in Louisville. She is a labor and employment lawyer.
Yes what better way to "clean up the personnel mess" than to bring in someone with little experience. I am guessing that they are bringing her in as someone who is green with whom they can take advantage. No better way to skirt the hiring laws than to blame it on someone who "didn't know better". If I was her, I would be watching over my shoulder. She will be the scape goat for any "hiring discrepancies" this administration may have.

All in all, the crony express is chugging along nicely and picking up steam!
Posted by brians at 12:30 AM in Kentucky Politics
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The Manure Mandate

Well Beshear will soon be inaugurated the new Governor of the Commonwealth and to kick things off he is planning a spectacular parade with lots and lots of horses.
More than 25 horse units, with more than 150 horses, are scheduled to participate in the parade... The parade will include eight horse-drawn carriages carrying dignitaries. Gov.-elect Beshear and first lady Jane Beshear will ride in a green and gold carriage provided by the Kentucky Horse Park. The carriage will be drawn by two large Percheron horses. Other horse-drawn vehicles will include a large wagon pulled by two Clydesdales.
Now for the multiple choice part. What do you think the underlying significance of all of this horse pageantry is about? (One of these came from me, one from the Beshear camp, one from my wife, and one from my mother in law. Can you guess which is which?)

a) A tribute to Kentucky's signature industry and most enduring symbol.
b) A chance for Beshear to ride into Frankfort on his chariot like an emperor riding into Rome.
c) An opportunity to bring back the horse and buggy era when Democratic cronyism was king.
d) Is it just the Democrats bringing a load of horse shit to Frankfort.
e) All of the above

So if you plan on attending mull these choices over and see which one fits. Just be sure to watch your step.

Posted by brians at 12:12 AM in Kentucky Politics
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Wednesday, 5 December 2007

Death to the BCS

The BCS finally got the nightmare scenario that illustrates the complete futility of the system. This year you have 9 teams that have a legitimate argument for being in the title game. And all of them have flaws that should keep them out of the title game. Let's take a look at the list

Ohio St (11-1)
Pro: The are a one of only three teams with one loss or less and they won the Big 10.

Con: They won the weakest of the BCS conferences and played a non-conference schedule that can only be described as pitiful. The played a Div 1-AA school and two bottom feeders from the MAC. On top of that they lost the next to last game of the season when they controlled their own destiny. The beeping sound you here is OSU backing their way into the championship game.

LSU (11-2)
Pro: They won the SEC. Arguably the best conference in the country this year. In addition their two losses came in overtime games. The computers think they are the second best team in the country.

Con: They lost two games against unranked opponents. The loss to Arkansas was at home during the last game of the regular season. And like OSU they controlled their own destiny at the time. They struggled against a number of teams down the stretch and were outplayed in the SEC championship game. Yet,pollsters jumped them ahead of teams that were a head of them the previous week. I want the pollsters to please explain to me how they can think 7 teams are better than LSU one week and not the next? (This "jump" illustrates how stupid and sheep like the polls are. It also shows us why we would be better off relying on the computer results to determine the top 2)

Virginia Tech (11-2)
Pro: The won the ACC and are ranked number one by the computers. They have been dominating since their home loss to BC a month ago. Both of their two losses are against ranked teams.
Con: They lost two games and a head to head match up with LSU.

Georgia (10-2)
Pro: One of the hottest teams in the country down the stretch. They are arguably the best two lost team in the country.
Con: They didn't win their conference nor their division. How can they play for a national championship if they didn't even win their conference.

Hawaii (12-0)
Pro: The only undefeated team in the country. They have a legitimate gripe. They played their schedule and won all of their games. More than any other team in college football can say.
Con: They played the weakest of weakest schedules. Their schedule makes Kansas's look strong. On top of that they struggled to beat some really bad teams.

Oklahoma (11-2)
Pro: They won the Big 12. They destroyed the second best team in the conference, Missouri, twice in the process.
Con: They had a couple of bad losses including the melt down at Colorado. They have two losses and controlled their own destiny before getting waxed by Texas Tech.

USC (10-2)
Pro: The won the PAC 10.
Con: They have a bad loss against Stanford and a weak strength of schedule. They played no one good outside of conference play.

Kansas (11-1)
Pro: They are one of two 1 loss teams.
Con: They didn't win the Big 12. Heck, like Georgia they didn't even win their division. They were the number 1 team in the country before they got beat by Missouri in the last week of the regular season. Can we say choke? On top of that they only played a couple of teams with winning records this year. Ouch.

West Virginia (10-2)
Pro: They won the Big East and played a decent out of conference schedule.
Con: They had their destiny in their own hands and choked. Actually that is a common theme among all but two of these teams. How can you put a team in that lost their last game of the season to Pittsburgh.

How can we decide who plays in the national championship game when all of these teams have glaring flaws? The answer is you can't! That what makes this season's championship a joke. The proponents of the BCS say "look at all of the drama". I say look at all of the crap. Notre Dame has a longer winning streak than either team playing in the championship game.

The only solution is to expand the current playoff systems from 2 teams to 12, 16, or 32. The best we can hope for is the NCAA to expand the playoff to four teams. Once Pandora's box opens it will only be a matter of time before the playoffs gets expanded to 8, 12, 16 or more. In the mean time I'm going to scoff the idiocy of the current BCS system.

 
Posted by brians at 7:32 PM in Sports Topics
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